Spice it up: Dates can help couples reconnect, have fun

February 6, 2013

This time of year, it's easy to get caught up in candy hearts, school parties and pink cupcakes. Gone are the days of wine and candlelit dinners.

When you're a parent, it's usually all about the kids. Although it's important to show love for your little ones, don't forget about your significant other.

"Children are an important part of families, but parenting can limit one-on-one couple time. It is equally important for couples to spend time together, as partners. Make date nights to reconnect," said Paula Pimentel, an Altoona-based therapist. "Celebrating Valentine's Day or any holiday rekindles the relationship and gives the couples a chance to show and express their love, respect and commitment to each other."

When couples don't spend quality time together, a rift can form, causing a disconnect physically and emotionally. If couples don't feel connected, Pimentel said, there can be a breakdown in communication and disharmony in the family.

"When parents get time away, they have time to relax, enjoy themselves, allowing to let go, be autonomous for a brief moment," Pimentel said. "The other thing that happens is time and space away from your children for a short time means you miss them and they miss you - a very good thing for everyone. It is healthy all around for the entire family."

Dr. Doris Jeanette, a psychologist at the Center for New Psychology in Philadelphia said couples need to take time to reconnect.

"What harms relationships is people being unwilling to unlearn their unhealthy relationships behaviors and replace them with new, healthy behaviors," Jeanette said. "Having fun with each other is a great first step."